As India has now gone into the era of GLP-1 drugs for managing diabetes and obesity, these drugs have given rise to both enthusiasm and confusion. Touched as “miraculous weight-loss injection”, these drugs never mean cosmetic fix.

In Aajtak Health Summit, Dr. Ambrish Mithal, President and Head, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Max Healthcare, stated that GLP-1 drugs mean diabetes and obesity management and how they work.

“GLP-1 is a natural hormone in our body, and these drugs mimics its action. They encourage insulin release and work to affect satisfaction on the brain, we stop eating due to GLP-1. Originally developed for diabetes management, we have been using only 3-4 kg losing the body’s weight, we have been used for almost 20 years. “He said.

He said that semaglutide was the first drug in this category to showcase such remarkable results, which also reduced the risk of heart attack, fatty liver and disease progression.

But public perception has not been caught with science. “Unfortunately, these drugs are called ‘cosmetic traps’. In the public’s brain, they are only seen as weight loss drugs.

He called GLP-1 a “biggest discovery” of his 40-year career, while reminding patients that they are not shortcuts.

“This is also not a magic pill, you need a health management program. Protein intake is important, and extreme diets like zero-carb or keto are not well paired with these drugs. Exercise, especially strength training, is necessary; otherwise, weight loss at the cost of muscle loss, lower weight,” he said.

Pharma on access and strength

While science is promising, access is limited. There are about 250 million obese people in India and 10 million with diabetes, yet only one part is on GLP -1 treatment.

Vikrant Shrotriya, Vice President and MD, Novo Nordisk India, admitted the challenge: “Many people can misuse these drugs, but there are too many who are not accessing them at all. GLP-1 injected injected here are available here for the last 4-5 months. Doctors, and patients lawful groups to reduce obesity burden.”

He underlined the bet, suggesting that obesity is connected to 229 different conditions, including joint pain, decline in memory, anxiety, depression, gout, respiratory disorder and even cancer.

Most people with type 2 diabetes are also overweight, such as many kidney disease patients. Therefore it is important to solve obesity crisis.

On pricing, Shrotriya stressed that the rollout has created strength. “When we launched GLP-1 in India, our goal was to ensure strength, whether it was 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg, the entry price was appropriate. As the use expands, we expect more flexibility in pricing after March 2026. But not alone,” he said.

He attracted a parallel with insulin: “At least 30% of people with diabetes need it, yet only 5% take it, even if it is relatively affordable. Reach, government -pharma cooperation, and digital adoption is just as important as cost.”

Dr. For Sandeep Kavala, who live with diabetes since 2016, GLP -1 drugs are central for their health journey.

“My diabetes was diagnosed in 2016, when GLP-1 injectables were not widely available, there were only tablets. My doctor suggested an injection from Liraglutide, Novo Nordisk, while I was on oral pills. It was a little uncomfortable. Dr. Kavla, who spoke about his experience of drugs.

He revealed that he began to experience gastrointestinal issues and eventually went back to Liraglutide. At that time, he reduced his weight from 118 kg to about 104–105 kg, while his diabetes was largely under control.

When Liraglutide (Vikaja sold under the brand name) was no longer available under the support of the patient, I switched back to Semaglutide. With this, my weight fell from 104 kg to 74 kg. ,

He insisted that his visit works only because it was supervised by an endocrinologist and was combined with exercise and correct diet. Weight loss without guidance often leads to muscle deficiency. My only advice: Do not try this on your own. These are powerful medicines on which doctors should be monitored. ,

Jyoti Singh, who was diabetes since the age of 24, found the first decade relatively managed, but after 2010, due to lack of work stress and exercise, her weight gained weight and her sugar levels increased.

On the advice of his doctor, he performed biatric surgery, which helped him lose 22 kg and gave him a new lease on life. The profit lasted for about a decade, which had a slight advantage of only 3 kg, but in the last two years, its weight increased again and its sugar levels came down.

He then found a new hope in GLP -1 therapy: “I was on Vikja for seven years, taking a daily injection, but recently turned into a vegovi. It has been just two months, yet the results are promising, my sugar level has reduced and I have lost weight. So far, I have tolerated it well, I have tolerated it well, and my experience is smoothly.”

For Leo, the drug represents more than a number on a number: “I do not hesitate to share my story. I have been a diabetes for a long time, and for me this drug is much higher than weight loss. Weight reduction is definitely a significant advantage, but the most important benefit is better sugar control-and it is life-changing.”

Understand side effects

GLP-1 drugs, while transformative, are not without side effects. “Yes, there are side effects, but it is that paracetamol, people who take like candy,” Dr. Embrish Mithal said.

The most severe complications, such as pancreatitis, are very rare. The risk of thyroid cancer is practically zero, and issues related to eye are still being studied, in which no decisive evidence is associated with these drugs. Patients may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, especially during the early stage of treatment, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Dr. Both mythology and patients underline experiences that these drugs should be taken under medical supervision and combined with diet and exercise. As Dr. Kavala had said, unprotected weight loss with GLP -1 drugs can lead to lack of muscles. Side effects usually decrease over time, and if the drug does not conform to a person, it can be safely closed.

As GLP-1 therapy develops, once with oral yogas on an injection and horizon, India faces a dual challenge: breaking the myths of misuse and expanding access to those who need these drugs the most.

Dr. Mithal offers a final reminder: “This is not a shortcut. It is a visit that requires preparation, medical supervision and commitment. Some patients react brilliantly, others do not. But when used properly, GLP -1 drugs can change life.”